Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development is excited to announce the continuation and expansion of its minority business training accelerator program CatalystQ: The Catalyst of Minority Business Excellence in Queen Anne’s County. This program is now accepting applications for the second cohort. Funding for the project is being provided by the Community Reinvestment & Repair Act, Upper Shore Regional Council, and supported by Queen Anne’s County Commissioners.
CatalystQ is designed to provide up to ten minority-owned businesses in Queen Anne’s County with the tools, resources, and foundation needed to scale small sole proprietorships into thriving and growing business operations. The program will provide a hands-on business coach and mentor that will work closely with each participating small business to guide them through the drafting of a business plan, the creation of marketing collateral, and establishing relationships with local banks, accountants, insurance providers, and attorneys as needed. Additionally, each of the selected businesses will receive a microgrant for strategic growth initiatives that align with their mission. The goal of the program is to place these minority-owned businesses on a path toward realizing increased revenues, improving resilience to economic shocks, and becoming job creators.
Deadlines & Program Dates
September 4, 2026: Last day to apply, with applications due by 5pm
September 9, 2026: Applicants will be notified
September/October 2026: CatalystQ begins, with meetings held thereafter
Applicant Requirements
Participating businesses must be minority-owned, operate in QAC, and be interested in seeing their ventures grow and in being part of a network of minority entrepreneurs. Applicants will be asked to provide information on their business, including financials as well as commit their time and efforts to complete the program.
Catalyst Q Application
Apply online here.
